2010 Toyota Prius vs Honda Civic EX-L nonhybrid

They're both fantastic cars. I ultimately bought a Prius because most of my driving is city driving and I wanted the better fuel economy. My previous two cars were an Accord and a CRV, and I loved both of them. I'd probably still be driving a Honda, but I don't think they've caught up to Toyota yet with their hybrids.

If most of your driving is highway driving, there isn't going to be a huge difference mileage wise. Not enough to justify the price difference between the two vehicles. It comes down to whether you want to pay extra for the technological bells and whistles that come with the Prius. And they are great. I'd never had a SKS before, but now that I'm used to it I don't know if I could ever go back to having to dig out my key all the time!

From what you've written though, I'd recommend going for the Honda. But that's just one gal's opinion.

 

With a price difference of approx $9K (based on your numbers), it makes sense to go with the Honda. $9K is a lot (unless you have oodles of extra $$$ around to spend).

 

Well I think if the Prius doesn't have its problems then yeah definitly go with the Prius.

Feel like we are testing subjects while they try to sort out Prius issues. If you read on a few different sub forums you will find two main problems with Prius gen3 and if you can live with those then go ahead and buy one compared to the Honda Civic.

1. Rattling so I call mine now Rattlus.
2. Radio- Bad reception.

So if you think the cons for Civic is road noise than how can you handle the Rattlus?

Being 9k cheaper I will only advise you to go with the Civic unless you can't afford petro or gas in the future. I wouldn't even suggest about being green because if you are you wouldn't be choosing between the Prius and the Honda Civic.

If Honda Clarity comes out in the UK (don't know when or if ever) I will get the Clarity as I am not a fan of Honda hybrids as well.

 

Check out the Honda Insight. It's about $4K cheaper than the Prius here right now.
My wife has one. It drives like a Civic and is a hatchback like the Prius. A bit smaller in the back inside.

Check out the Honda Fit as well. Around $15K here. Bigger than the Insight inside. Also a hatch.

 

The difference in cost comes with the difference in equipment level. Those are two different classes of cars as well. You pay less, you get less and when you sell it back, you get back less as well.

You get used to the handling and extra acceleration quickly. Stopping by gas station and cashing out often will get you over time. If you plan to upgrade to plug-in down the road, Prius is the only choice.

If you are still in college, get the Civic. Otherwise, people will think you still are. Thats my 2 cents....

 

Keep in mind that the whole Civic line is due for a complete overhaul soon, perhaps the next model year. The current gen has been around since MY 06.

Since you're not a fan of Honda's IMA, that takes the Insight out of the equation...

The Honda Fit seems to be the best comparison to the Prius because it's also a hatch. The decision could potentially be tougher to make because it is even cheaper than the Civic EX.

Personally, I myself would have probably gone with a Fit Hybrid over a Prius if and only Honda would make it and bring it over here. But that has yet to happen, so Prius it is for me. I'm a happy camper =)

 

I think my Prius is fantastic, but if I was buying a mostly highway car and money was a top concern, I'd likely end up with a different car. Not a sedan, for sure. Maybe an Insight, probably a Fit (Jazz). I would also consider the Toyota Yaris or Matrix.

One could also consider a Hyundai, but beware the fuel consumption.

 

LOL

I came from a Korean manufacturer over to the Prius. While it was a finely built vehicle and on par with the rest of the industry nowadays, I'll never never NEVER buy another Korean made car ever again.

I have a feeling that Hyundai/Kia will never outrun the ghosts of its past and will be forever stigmatized in the minds of the Western Cultures.

 

I can't get over their badge.... Italic version of Honda... IMHO, they need to change it.

 

Online price for the HV battery is under $2,000 plus labor. That is nowhere near $4,00 you quoted.

The link is for gen2 pack but gen3 pack is pretty much the same.

 

Care to explain?

 

I traded in a 1998 Honda Civic LX for my Prius II. Be aware that Hondas seem to always have premature brake wear issues and muffler failures. This was true with my Civic, and the 12 Hondas in my extended family over the years. I think Honda styling in general across the brand is better than Toyota IMO (Prius vs Insight being the exception IMO).

I looked at/test drove the Honda Insight and found it rougher and noiser a ride, and quite a bit smaller in the rear seat. The Civic is cheaper up front, especially the non-hybrid Civic, but do some research into maintenance costs over the long-haul. My Civic cost much more than any of the 3 Toyotas I have owned over the 10-12 years I owned them. The Prius has greater up-front cost, but in the long run I expect it will be cheaper on gas and maintenance.

 

To the original poster ... you make some very good points in your comparison and lead in to a very good question ....

... Why the heck does Honda not make a 4 door Civic hatchback ???????????????????????????????????????

And don't say, but, but, there's a Fit hatchback! 'scuse me? Fit is a 1.5L sub-compact car, and believe me, the driver's seat is sub-compact. A new Civic seats this 6'2" frame just fine.

An Insight? Consumer Reports doesn't even recommend it - back seat is too small, highway ride, not good, etc...

Sure, a Civic hatchback might need a larger motor, maybe 2.2L to have anything.

Trouble is, it seems not too many people seem interested in buying a 4 door semi-sporty hatchback.

The Matrix is sort of a bomb - I wouldn't buy one. Mazda 3 hatchback is ok, but a bit unfinished, too much cargo room/not enough rearseat room. Not polished like a Honda.

I think Honda could make the best 4 door hatchback, but they have never built one. I've seen Si 2 door hatches and the ugly old 2 door Civic hatch, 'bout it.

Obviously, there's not much demand for such a car, or Honda would have already built one.

One thing a Civic hatchback could do that a Prius cannot - tow 1500 lbs under warranty.

Selection of cars could be better IMO.

btw, I called Honda corporate last week and filed a case for them to send to Japan - please make a Civic hatchback, something to fill in the void. CR-V, no thanks, don't like. Element, really don't like.

 

I could not agree with you more. I know Honda could do it better than Toyota and Mazda as well.

I drove an 09 Matrix XRS, 18" wheels, etc... on a long, sorta bumpy, windy road and it was not very good. Secure, but awfully unsettled and the steering feel was not good.

 

There will be a new Civic for model year 2011. It's supposed to be announced by the Fall. See edmunds.com - it's listed along with other Honda cars.

btw, the comment abuot having a Civic and still looking like in college - lame.

A 2010 Civic EX-L is a fine looking car and IMO stands up to a Prius very well. But the little trunk isn't happening. Too many Americans obsessed with trunks on cars. I guess they feel safe knowing their stuff is out sight. Someone needs to show them how a tonneau cover works.

And the Civic interior >> Gen2 Prius interior.